How to Make a Recycled Wooden Key Holder

Key holders are a great place to keep track of a very important item needed to get around in daily life. They can also be a nice addition as décor to the entrance of a home. It is simple and easy to make a recycled wooden key holder with some simple items you may have laying around.

·      Recycled or scrap wood

·      Tape measure or ruler

·      Speed square or a 90-degree measurement device

·      Small level

·      Hammer

·      Sandpaper, sanding block, or a sanding device

·      Phillips head drill bit

·      Drill and drill battery

·      Pencil

·      Handsaw

·      Hook hardware with screws

·      Mounting Hardware with nails

·      Wood Oil (Any Sort)

Old Towel or rag

Recycle wood and gather materials. A good piece of wood for this project should be no less than ¾-inch thick and no more than 1-inch thick. It does not have to be a smooth piece of wood or a big piece. After another project you may have some smaller pieces of scrap wood which would be perfect to upcycle into a functional décor piece.

1. Measure your wooden material. Since this project is unique to your home, you will need to measure and mark the piece of wood to your desired length. To begin use the tape measure or ruler to measure to the desired length and make a mark. Then use a 90-degree measurement device, like the speed square, to align one of the sides to the mark and the top side to the edge of the wood then mark along the wood designating the cut line.
2. Cut the wood to desired length. Use a handsaw or wood cutting device to cut along the marked line to get a straight and clean cut. Make sure to hold the wood steadily while sawing to prevent unwanted damage to material or injury.

1. Measure and mark placement of key hooks. For your board, you will want to measure out and mark the placement for hooks. First mark the halfway point on the board then divide the rest of the sections equally per the amount of hooks you have. Space them as desired. Place the hooks on the board to visually compare spacings before settling on a look. Use these measurements to set plans for hook placements and specifically mark the holes before dry fitting.
2. Temporarily mount key hook hardware then immediately remove it. To make it easier later go ahead and halfway screw your key hooks into the wood now. After screwing them in about halfway, remove them. Now you have the mounting holes marked so even after sanding the wood you will still know where the hooks go without needing the pencil marks as well as make it easier to fully mount the hardware.
3. Measure and mark places for wall mounting hardware. To figure out where to mount the hardware to install the key holder on the wall, you will want to measure both lengthwise and width first. Measure about ½-inch to 1-inch away from each end of the wooden piece length wise and mark it with a pencil. Then measure ½-inch to 1-inch away from the top of the piece and mark in two different spots. Now use the ruler to line up and mark a straight line along the two top piece marks and up to the edge of the end length wise marks. Use this straight line to align and mark the holes for the mounting hardware.
4. Temporarily nail wall mounting hardware into wood. To see the wall mounting hardware marks after sanding grab a hammer and a nail. Next place the nail over the marks the were made for the mounting hardware holes. Gently tap the nail on the head with the hammer until a small indent is made. Then remove the nail and hardware placing it to the side for now. 

1. Sand the wooden material until desired smoothness. There are many ways to sand wood, it just depends on what is available to you. You can use a general sanding block or sandpaper to hand sand the wood until you get the texture and smoothness you desire. It is suggested to start off with 80-grit sandpaper to get rid of all the rough edges, then use 180- to 220-grit to get a smooth finish on the wood. The best sign to know whether more sanding is needed is to see whether the measurement marking lines are present or not. Once the pencil lines are gone hit the wood with the 180- to 220-grit sandpaper one last time before moving on.
2. Use wood oil or conditioner on the wood. Find a wood oil or conditioner that you would like. Typically sticking to a simple conditioning oil will aid in the longevity of the key holder as well as bring out the warm tones in the wood. To apply the oil simply put some in a bowl to dip or apply directly to a cloth, rag, or foam brush. Rub the oil or conditioner into the wood using circular motions until the whole piece is covered with a thin coat. Use a dry cloth to remove any excess.

1. Hard install key hook hardware. Time to fully install the key hooks by screwing them into the pre-drilled holes. Ensure that the screw is all the way in, but make sure to not strip the screw. To prevent stripping a screw head make sure the Phillips head drill bit is securely in place in the drill, then fit it snuggly into the Phillips head slot on the screw. Put some weight behind the drill to keep it in place while one hand holds the board steady. Tap the trigger on the drill in short bursts until screw is fully in.
2. Hard install wall mounting hardware. This part is slightly challenging as the key hooks on the front prevent you front laying the board flat. To bypass the hooks, hang the board along the side of a table and press your front into it to stabilize the piece. Then align the wall mounting hardware along the indented marks from before. Use the hammer to nail the mounting hardware in. Once this step is completed, you are done.